Ann Faulds ‘told to resign at Hinds meeting’

Former Lothian Buses chairwoman Ann Faulds was forced to resign “by 5pm” at a meeting with senior council figures, it was claimed yesterday.

Ms Faulds, who left her post at the head of the board after her call to sack CEO Ian Craig was rejected by the council, said in a statement that she was told she had to resign before a press release announcing her departure was sent out to the media.

The exchange allegedly took place at a meeting on November 12 where council chiefs including transport convener Lesley Hinds and city corporate governance director Alastair Maclean told the partner at global law firm CMS that they did not approve of her decision to dismiss the embattled chief executive.

After Ms Faulds asked if there was any point in discussing the matter, Councillor Hinds reportedly told her: “Not really, I have a lot to get through today”.

The request to seek Mr Craig’s dismissal came after a failed mediation bid between the CEO and three executive directors who had lodged a grievance against him.

According to a statement, part of which was read at yesterday’s council meeting, Ms Faulds was presented with a letter from city chief executive Sue Bruce stating that despite the failed mediation and a grievance investigation upholding five complaints against Mr Craig, “the council does not, however, share your view that this necessitates the immediate removal of the CEO of the company.”

The statement goes on: “Councillor Hinds then said that I should resign. I refused to resign on the spot and she said that my resignation was required before the council issued its press release that evening, the deadline thought to have been 5pm.

“No written or verbal reason was given for the refusal. I asked if there was any point in discussing the matter further. Councillor Hinds said not really as she had a lot to get through that day.”

Edinburgh City Council did not comment when asked about the events surrounding Ms Faulds’ resignation.